Harris Condemns Drew Administration, Citing Incompetence and Calling for Inquiry into Deaths at JNF Hospital

Former Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, leader of the People’s Labour Party (PLP), has launched a scathing attack on the current administration of Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, characterizing it as a regime consumed by “petty, vindictive, and grossly incompetent governance.” Dr. Harris argues that this leadership style has created an environment of fear and instability, driving skilled professionals from the country and jeopardizing the well-being of the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. He accuses the Drew administration of prioritizing political vendettas over the needs of the nation, leading to a decline in public services and a pervasive sense of unease among the population.

Central to Dr. Harris’s critique is the alleged exodus of competent civil servants and medical professionals, attributed to the government’s politically motivated actions. He cites the departure of Dr. Cameron Wilkinson, a respected medical expert, as a prime example of this damaging trend. Dr. Harris contends that Dr. Wilkinson’s exit, along with the resignations of numerous police officers and the head of forensics, paints a clear picture of a public service demoralized and destabilized by politically driven purges. This loss of expertise, argues Dr. Harris, is crippling key institutions and leaving the nation vulnerable.

Dr. Harris further underscores the severity of the situation by highlighting the deteriorating conditions at the JNF Hospital. He describes the hospital as a “scary place” where “people are dying who should not die,” attributing these avoidable deaths to negligence exacerbated by the current political climate. He shares the distressing anecdote of a young constituent who was allegedly turned away from the hospital despite exhibiting clear stroke symptoms, only to return hours later with permanent damage. This incident, according to Dr. Harris, exemplifies the dire consequences of the government’s mismanagement and its failure to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens. He calls for an urgent Commission of Inquiry into these “unexplained, sudden, and avoidable” deaths at JNF Hospital, demanding accountability and immediate action to address the crisis.

The pervasive atmosphere of political vindictiveness, as described by Dr. Harris, has seeped into every facet of public life, eroding trust and undermining the foundations of good governance. He argues that the government’s focus on settling political scores has created a climate of fear and insecurity, discouraging qualified individuals from serving the public and driving those already in service to seek opportunities elsewhere. This brain drain, according to Dr. Harris, represents a significant threat to the nation’s future, depriving it of the expertise and experience necessary for progress and development.

Dr. Harris emphasizes the urgency of the situation, calling on the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis to recognize the gravity of the government’s failings and to demand better. He characterizes the current administration as being more concerned with revenge than with the welfare of its people, leading to a decline in public services, an erosion of public trust, and a growing sense of despair within the community. He argues that the government’s actions are not merely political missteps but represent a fundamental betrayal of the public trust, jeopardizing the very fabric of the nation.

In his impassioned plea, Dr. Harris calls for the removal of the Drew administration, asserting that the survival and dignity of St. Kitts and Nevis depend on it. He frames the current situation as a critical juncture in the nation’s history, where inaction will have devastating consequences. He rallies citizens to hold their leaders accountable, demanding justice and a return to competent, compassionate governance. He concludes with a powerful call to action, urging the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to rise up and demand change, emphasizing that the time for complacency is over and the future of their nation hangs in the balance.